The Yellowstone Angler reports that while current river conditions are murky with a flow of 4,110 CFS, the recent influx of moisture has provided a much-needed boost to the regional snowpack. Although clarity remains variable due to runoff from the Shields and Lamar, the report highlights a productive window for anglers willing to navigate the “chocolate milk” conditions to target trophy-sized trout in the 18 to 24-inch class. By monitoring discharge rates and focusing on streamer play or midges during calm stretches, fishers can capitalize on the pre-runoff activity before the river potentially swells further.
Muddy, but still some hungry takers… Photo: Forrest Craig (Sunday, 4/12)
CFS (and clarity) will be variable the next couple weeks. We are thankful for the moisture and snow the past few days as things were starting to look thin up there for early April. Snow pack on the Upper Yellowstone Basin as of Wednesday 4/8 was 82%.
Keep an eye on the CFS and try to catch a dropping river if you can, or hopefully at least fish the river when it is olive or green vs a brown. Also keep an eye on the Sheild’s CFS as that has a tendency to make the lower river extra brown with mud this time of year. Obviously ditto that for the Lamar CFS up high. The river is still pretty low, so if it’s muddy and you can’t see, it’s best to avoid the shallows or hitting any obstructions or jagged rocks just under the surface.
If the winds do calm down midges have been out in full force (in specific areas). Spring Baetis are bound to pop so keep an eye out for them as well as March Browns, (particularly down low). Alsbut from flipping rocks, baetis nymphs are certainly brewing.
Many anglers have been fishing streamers and catching some nice fish in the 18-20″ class. We’ve heard of a couple 2 footers caught already as well. From now until runoff is a great time to target larger fish, someone is bound to catch one and it will likely go to those who in the work – might as well be you!
Give us a call for the latest clarity report: 1-406-222-7130
Fly Patterns:
Home Invader White #2/6 Olive Leadeye Stinger #4/6 Olive Sex Dungeon #4 Black Sex Dungeon #4 Yellow Silk Kitty #2 White Silk Kitty #2 Olive Silk Kitty#2 White Home Invader #2-4 Olive Leadeye #6 Olive Swim Coach #4 Coffee Sparkle Minnow #4-6
Tung. Bead Bugger Legs CAMO size #10 Black Jigged Perdigon #14-18 Fulling Mill Olive Perdigon #14-18 Blow Torch Black #14-18 Hare’s Ear Blow Torch #14-18 Brown (Purple) Duracell Bomb #14-16 Torch Light #14-16 PT Little Spankers #14-18
